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Shell Boats LLC 561 Polly Hubbard Road St Albans, Vermont 05478 Phone/Fax: 802-524-9645 |
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Shell Boats LLC 561 Polly Hubbard Road St Albans, Vermont 05478 Phone/Fax: 802-524-9645 |
| Length | Beam | Weight | Kit | Finished | |
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| Leif 7 | 7'-1" | 4'-2" | 50 lbs. | $1,075 | $2,525 |
| Leif 8 | 8'-0" | 4'-2" | 65 lbs. | $1,125 | $2,675 |
| Leif 10 | 10'-0" | 4'-8" | 90 lbs. | $1,395 | $3,325 |
| Sea Shell 8 | 7'-10" | 4'-2" | 75 lbs. | $1,275 | $2,930 |
| Sea Shell 10 | 10'-0" | 5'-3" | 100 lbs. | $1,500 | $3,650 |
| Marty | 9'-0" | 5'-5" | 160 lbs. | $2,575 | $5,250 |
| Swifty 11 | 11'-0" | 5'-2" | 115 lbs. | $1,500 | $3,100 |
| Swifty 12 | 12'-0" | 5'-2" | 125 lbs. | $1,550 | $3,250 |
| Swifty 14 | 14'-0" | 6'-0" | 165 lbs. | $2,300 | $3,880 |
| Lucky | 13'-0" | 4'-7" | 105 lbs. | $1,670 | $3,570 |
| Swifty 13 | 13'-0" | 5'-3" | 225 lbs. | $3,150 | $6,175 |
| Swifty 15 | 15'-0" | 6'-1" | 375 lbs. | $3,870 | $7,750 |
| Schooner 15-1/2 | 15'-6" | 5'-3" | 155 lbs. | $2,500 | $4,600 |
| Schooner 18 | 18'-0" | 6'-2" | 450 lbs. | $4,100 | $8,600 |
| Great Blue Heron | 19'-0" | 7'-0" | 750 lbs. | $8,975 | $15,850 |
| CrabClaw Cat | 21'-0" | 8'-4" | 1200 lbs. | $9,975 | $17,400 |
| LEIF 7
LENGTH: 7'-1" Finished: $2,525
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 Leif 7 |
The Leif 7' is a handy little tender. Many large-boat owners with moored or anchored-out vessels enjoy the Leif's spunky agility; whether its a jaunty trip around the marina or shoreline gunkholing, this little dingy will get you where you want to go. The interior is entirely open—no daggarboard or trunk. Wonderful sprawling room for one or two people is accomplished by utilizing an exterior keel for good windward ability. Two-station oarlock sockets allow for rowing flexibility. With flotation cushions for seats, a varnished Leif floats you along in nut-shell quality. Our customers have reported very good sailing ability in a chop as well as a light breeze.
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| The Leif 8' and 10' are very similar to the Leif 7', the biggest
change being built-in seats. Although either boat will sail faster with one person,
the 8' has room for two people. The 10' will hold three with an occasional
fourth. The 10' also has a daggerboard and trunk rather than the full-length keel. Leif owners often cartop to ponds or lakes, leave the car and sail away. This is a very compatible boat for campouts and will accommodate your whims on short notice. Customer feedback has repeatedly confirmed our intentions, which was to design an easily built, easily handled, and easily maintained kit boat. |
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| This is a fast, agile, and stable vlet-style pram. Of all of our boats, this is the design that demonstrates the heritage of the Dutch vlets and the Norwegian holmsbuprams, and has greatly influenced subsequent Shell Boat designs. The traditional vlet shape makes the Sea Shell an ideal tender—she tows extremely well. The sailing rig is very easy to set up and use. Its folding mast enables the entire rig to be stowed in the boat and set up in two minutes, even while out on the water. Although seldom necessary, a small outboard can be mounted on the transom. These boats are very agile and easily rowed. Sea Shell owners are often enthusiastic about their boats. Some have been built indoors in family rooms. Some have affixed handles to the sides of the hull to facilitate a two-person haul to the shore. Rainbow trout (most notably a 24-pounder) have been caught on weekend jaunts throughout upstate New York. |
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| MARTY
LENGTH: 9'-0" Finished: $5,250
|
 Marty |
This little boat was named after a favorite uncle and like-wise, will not fail to be noticed! People say the Marty is really "cute"—but it's more than cute. It's fun to sail: lively and responsive, if not fast. You can really feel the water under you. The ketch rig is very practical and easy to use. The whole thing can be set up in five minutes. The Marty will self steer sailing to windward, even with the main sail furled, while you stretch out on the full-length cushions for a cushy, lullaby ride. The cabin, with its removable back, provides shade—great for a child—and will also securely store gear against inclement weather or theft. Openable, sliding windows for visibility and air provide a real shippy touch to this tiny pocket cruiser. Twin keels keep the interior free (no centerboard) and maintain this boat in an upright and stable position when beached. With a cockpit tent the Marty becomes the perfect camp cruiser for pirating adventures and the like. Several Marty owners report finding treasure in their boat.
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| SWIFTY 11
LENGTH: 11'-0" Finished: $3,100
|
 Swifty 11 |
The Swifty 11 is our newest and smallest Swifty. It has the same beam as the original Swifty 12, but has been made more compact, having proportions much like that of the traditional cat boats. Any favorable comparison with the famous Beetle Cats of the early part of the last century would be considered a compliment!The sail rig is our standard leg o' mutton style using a curved sprit boom. The folding 16' mast enables quick set ups or take downs—the entire rig can be stowed in the boat. The boat can be rowed very well and also can be used with a small outboard. The large deck area is made of beautiful hardwood marine ply, which will look great if you choose to varnish. |
 Swifty 12 |
SWIFTY 14 LENGTH: 14'-0" BEAM: 6'-0" WEIGHT: 165 lbs. SAIL AREA: 85 sq. ft. Finished: $3,880 Kit: $2,300 |
| The Swifty 12 is our most popular boat, very fine for sailing, also great for rowing and motoring. Docile and easily handled, the Swifty will plane on a reach in a good breeze—while you fly, you're dry! It has plenty of room for three or four people, but will perform best with one or two. | |
This design incorporates sealed flotation chambers under the front deck and all seats. The hull is constructed on a simple building jig and can be planked in one day. The single-sailed cat rig is leg o' mutton style using a curved sprit boom. Some owners have modified to a sloop by adding a jib. The folding 16' mast enables quick set-ups or take-downs—the entire rig can be stowed in the boat. The Swifty 14 has the same hull shape as the Swifty 12, but has been scaled up. Increasing the length by two feet produces an increase in volume of over 50%. Although one person can handle it easily, it will sail very well with a crew of two, three, or even four people. The 18' mast folds in half to stow easily in the boat. The rig sets up just like the Swifty 12. |
 Swifty 12 and 14 |
| LUCKY
LENGTH: 13'-0" Finished: $3,570
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Lucky More photos |
 The distinctive
feature of Lucky is its cat yawl rig. The inspiration for this design
comes from the canoe yawls that were so popular at the beginning of the
twentieth century. Unlike the canoe yawls, Lucky is very stable and forgiving,
due to its modest size rig and generous beam. The split rig makes for
easy sail handling and the ability to self steer to windward.
Rather than fixed seats there is generous sprawling space for 2-3 people. Many folks find this to be the most comfortable way to sail. Flotation cushions make ideal “seats” for the Lucky. Bronze oarlock sockets are standard. We have to say, with all due modesty, that this makes one very elegant little rowing boat! Whether under sail or oars, the fine lines of the Lucky allow it to glide through the water with very little effort. The sweeping sheer line may add to the good looks of this little craft, but importantly it also makes for a dry and comfortable ride when the going gets rough. This little boat is comfortable and handy either in a 20 knot breeze, or ghosting along at sunset. Row or sail, she’s nimble, easy to maneuver, and will surely charm. |
| SWIFTY 13
LENGTH: 13'-0" Finished: $6,175
|
 Swifty 13 |
The Swifty 13 is based on the hull of our most popular boat, the Swifty 12. This is a great day-sailer with minimal overnight capabilities.
The cabin is a haven during inclement weather, and will secure your gear while you're on land again. There is ample sleeping room for one (two if they are very close friends!). Although the cabin is small, openable windows and a large sliding hatch make camp cruising comfortable. The unstayed ketch rig is convenient and easy to use; the whole thing can be set up in about five minutes. Twin full-length keels make the Swifty 13 easily beached, upright and stable, without damaging the bottom. They also eliminate the complications and crowding caused by centerboards or daggerboards. Don't be intimidated by the ketch rig; it's not at all hard to use and is really a lot of fun. The Swifty 13 will self-steer sailing to windward, even when reefed. With the three sails, many different combinations are possible. |
| SWIFTY 15
LENGTH: 15'-0" Finished: $7,750
|
 Swifty 15 |
The Swifty 15 is basically an enlarged version of the very popular Swifty 13. It is a spacious day sailer with ample cabin space for some serious cruising. The cabin sleeps two, with room for a porta-potti, as well as quite a bit of gear storage. Openable windows and a large sliding hatch make the cabin bright and airy. The cabin extends two feet under the bridge deck of the cockpit. The unstayed ketch rig is convenient and easy to use. It can be set up in about five minutes. This rig, well proven on the Swifty 13, will self steer going to windward, even when reefed. A simple reefing system makes it possible to reduce the sail area, as much as desired, without leaving the security of the cockpit and cabin. Twin full-length keels make the Swifty 15 easy to beach, upright and stable. This boat is light enough to be pulled clear of the water by two average-sized people.
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| SCHOONER 15-1/2
LENGTH: 15'-6" Finished: $4,600
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Schooner 15-1/2 More photos |
| The cat schooner rig on this boat has some very interesting characteristics. Although there are two masts, it is very simple to build, set up, and sail. The masts are single piece and short enough to fit in the boat. The straight booms stow very nicely along with the masts. The sail has a luff sleeve rather than our usual sail ties, resulting in more efficient air flow around the mast. |
| SCHOONER 18
LENGTH: 18'-0" Finished: $8,600
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Schooner 18 More photos |
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After a wonderful season's use of the Schooner 15-½, we had to start
thinking: what if it was a little bigger? Well, this is our answer to that
question. The Schooner 18 is a luxurious day sailor for 2-4, with pretenses
of being a basic cruiser for 1-2. The hull and rig are essentially scaled
up versions of the Schooner 15-½. The bilge keels provide good lateral
resistance as well as easy and upright beaching.
The aft cabin is quite adequate for sleeping, changing clothes, using the portable head, and stowing gear. It also has a small counter space for a one-burner stove and a water jug. Including the 20" of space under the bridge deck, the clear flat area is 6'-6" long. Head room under the hatch is 36". The aft cabin configuration makes wheel steering a practical necessity. Some will miss the lost feel of the tiller, but for us the wheel turns this boat into a little ship! The rig has all the features of the Schooner 15-½. Test sails have shown the 18 to be a very nice performing craft. The maximum speed under sail so far has been 8 knots, and about the same under power (3.5 hp Tohatsu). The aft cabin separates the helm from the outboard motor enough to make motoring a quite pleasant experience. Power could go up to 6hp, perhaps more. Rowing is also a reasonable option. |
| GREAT BLUE HERON
LENGTH: 19'-0" Finished: $15,850
|
 Great Blue Heron |
The Heron is designed to be an all-purpose sailboat equally comfortable under power.
Features include: bright, airy pilot-house style cabin; light, strong semi-planing hull; quiet, well-mounted outboard power; twin shoal draft keels and rudders for beaching upright; and a simple, efficient sprit boom ketch rig. The design incorporates sealed flotation chambers in the forepeak, under the seats, and at the stern.
The Great Blue Heron has been thoroughly tested by our family—the prototype was used for many years on Lake Champlain. It wasn't unusual for Fred to be the first one on the water in early spring, with breaking ice clinking against the Heron's hull, or in July, ghosting along just after sunset, or in September, brewing tea below while fog and rain ran the sea and sky together. Reminiscent of the Maine Lobster boats, this design is stable, comfortable, and easily trailered to your vacation spot, nearby lake, river, or shore. |
| CRABCLAW CAT
LENGTH: 21'-0" Finished: $17,400
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CrabClaw Cat More photos |
This is a boat for (almost) all seasons. The canopy provides shelter from the summer sun and an occasional shower. It is also a favorite diving platform and sunbathing area. Add the easily fitted windows and sliding doors, and you can enjoy sailing even when the weather turns cold. The enclosed area has room for a galley/chart table, plenty of sitting room, and even a head. Two can sleep comfortably in the cabin. The boat can be sailed from under the canopy or from the open cockpit in front. The cockpit cover rolls down for trailering or to create a second double bunk area. Wheel steering is located at the forward end of the cabin, as are the sail control lines and the motor controls.
This rig is very easy to use; the main and mizzen can be raised or lowered in a minute or two. The usual (not included) power is a 9.8 hp 4-stroke, electric start, outboard mounted in the starboard sugar scoop. As an alternative a small motor, gas or electric, can be mounted behind the canopy area, and accessed through the sliding rear windows. Either way, you and your crew are well insulated from any noise or smell. If you choose an electric you will be delighted with the quiet, smooth ride. The fine hulls and light weight of the CrabClaw Cat make it ideal for electric power. We have even found ourselves intentionally going "sailing" on days with no wind! |
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